[Are repeated controls of the forced expiratory volume (FEV1) necessary in examinations of bronchial reactivity? (author's transl)].

In 432 patients examinations of bronchial reactivity with the acetylcholin test (3 min. inhalation of a 0.1% acetylcholine solution) were carried out with testing FEV1 immediately, 5 min. and 10 min. after stopping inhalation. It could be shown that the extent of bronchial hyperreactivity can be found by a single determination after acetylcholine provocation. It is proposed to use this one-step method for routine examinations and to measure FEV1 five min. after stopping inhalation. For clinical evaluation the intensity of bronchial reaction has also to be considered and estimated.